Gynecomastia

What does gynecomastia consist of?

Under physiological conditions, male mammary glands are small and under the control of androgen hormones. When there is a hormonal imbalance - such as an increase in estrogen levels - gynecomastia, or breast enlargement involving glandular, fibrous and/or fatty tissue, can develop.

Depending on the type of dominant tissue, we distinguish:

• Glandular gynecomastia - overgrowth of mainly glandular tissue,
• Fatty gynecomastia (lipomastia) - accumulation of fatty tissue in the breast area,
• Mixed gynecomastia - simultaneous growth of both types of tissue.
  

Causes of gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can be physiological (e.g., in newborns, adolescents at puberty or men in andropause) or secondary - resulting from:

• Hormonal disorders (excess estrogen, androgen deficiency),
• Chronic diseases (e.g., hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, kidney failure),
• obesity,
• Taking certain medications (anabolic steroids, cardiovascular drugs, psychotropic drugs),
• Estrogen-secreting cancers,
• genetic predisposition.

Symptoms of gynecomastia

The most common symptoms include:

• visible breast enlargement (unilateral or bilateral),
• protruding, enlarged nipples,
• Tenderness and pain in the area of the mammary glands,
• A feeling of tension or swelling,
• Psychological discomfort related to the appearance of the chest.
  
  

Diagnosis of gynecomastia

The diagnosis of gynecomastia includes:

• A detailed medical history,
• Palpation examination (in supine position with hands behind the head),
• Laboratory tests: hormone levels (estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, FSH, LH, TSH),
• Breast ultrasound, in selected cases also biopsy.
  

Treatment of gynecomastia - surgical procedure

In cases of persistent gynecomastia, surgical treatment - a subcutaneous mastectomy with the possibility of simultaneous liposuction - provides the best results. The choice of technique depends on the type of gynecomastia and the severity of the lesions. The type of surgery is adjusted each time to the individual needs of the patient. In our clinic we perform general gynecomastia. The incision is usually guided along the lower edge of the nipple areola, which allows aesthetic concealment of scars.

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Contraindications to gynecomastia surgery

Although gynecomastia performed in a professional clinic is a safe procedure, it involves risks just like other medical procedures. There are also a number of contraindications to its performance, and these are:

• coagulation disorders,
• skin infections,
• Unregulated diabetes or hypertension,
• active cancer,
• Hormonal instability.

Why perform the procedure at Dr Szczyt Clinic?

• We work with experienced plastic surgeons
• We tailor the type of treatment to the type of gynecomastia
• We offer professional post-surgical care
• We guarantee a discreet atmosphere and complete confidentiality